Girl's death inspires national campaign

Now, aged 18, she's using the tragic personal experience to try to help others.

But it hasn't been an easy road for the Rockhampton teenager.

"She was my absolute best friend, we did everything together, and we were inseparable," she says.

"She committed suicide and after that I was a mess."

Immediately after the suicide, Tiana could not bear to return to school and instead left to study by distance education.

"I just couldn't handle being at school without her and it all just went to mush really and I don't really remember those times because it was just so upsetting and depressing," she says.

"After about a year it hit me, I don't want anyone else to go through the pain that I did."

Through a Lions club youth organisation, CQ Leos, Tiana started working on an event to raise awareness of the early warning signs that could help friends and family spot those at risk.

It proved too difficult to get off the ground, so she turned her attention to pocket-sized information cards to get the message out.

"Most people that do commit suicide think that their loved ones will be better off without them, when really we're obviously not," she says.

"We went ahead with the seven warning signs of suicide cards, had them printed, started handing them out at all our events to anyone possible.

"So many people were blown away by it and loved it and it impacted more people than we could have ever imagined.

"Most people just put it in their pocket and don't really say anything about it, because it's not something people like to talk about.

"It is something that is hidden away and no one wants to bring it up when really it should be.

"People do need to talk about it because if you don't talk about it we all know what happens."

She says it is not always easy to spot the signs, but the more people know about them, the more likely it is that lives will be saved.

"It's been quite upsetting actually because now that I look back knowing the warning signs I can see a few of them and if I had known beforehand I may have been able to help her in some way, let someone know.

"I have pushed through it and I want other people to know them, to see if they can save their loved ones if possible."

It is a cause that is about to go national, with the Lions clubs endorsing the seven warning signs cards as an Australia-wide youth project.

"We've just sent the cards away to have them put out everywhere so that's very exciting," she says.

"We're currently also looking at putting them through schools."

Tiana says while it has been a difficult three years, she believes her friend is still a big part of her life.

"I think she'd be incredibly proud and I know that she is helping me," she says.

"Along the way there's times where I feel like it's all too much, I just want to give up, and I feel this little push and I do believe it's her going 'keep going, keep going' and I know she's very proud of me, which makes it all the better."

If you spot the signs in a loved one, Tiana says it is important to talk it through with a professional about the best way to deal with it.

The seven warning signs of suicide are:

1. Making direct or indirect threats about committing suicide

2. Dramatic changes in personality, appearance or mood3. Changes in eating and sleeping habits4. A dramatic drop in performance at school or work5. Feelings of guilt or low self esteem6. Saying goodbye and giving personal belongings away 7. Withdrawing from friends and family.

If you've read this story and need to talk to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.

You can also visit headspace or Youth Beyond Blue for information about depression and anxiety and how to help a friend or call 1300 22 4636.